|
Year
: 1992
Director:
Brian Henson
Starring:
Michael Caine, Kermit, Miss
Piggy, Fozzy Bear. |
The Muppet Christmas Carol
I
know is the second A Christmas
Carol based film
on the list - but its an absolute classic.
Everybody
knows the plot to A Christmas Carol don't they?
Anyway here's a recap. A solitary and miserly man
(Ebenezer Scrooge) lives on his own and his only
enjoyment of life comes from earning his money
and spending as little of it as possible. On Christmas
Eve Scrooge is visited by three spirits who take
him to see his past, present and future
in an attempt to for him to change his miserly
ways and be grateful for what he has. But does
he change his ways?
With
such a rich story its little wonder that the Henson's
team chose this as a suitable vehicle for their
Muppet's. What perhaps is surprising is the fact
that the puppets original characters were so strong
and well defined that they actually mould into
the story incredibly well indeed. From the lead
Kermit as Bob Crachit to Waldorf and Statler as
Jacob and Robert Marley (who provide their usual
fare of acerbic and cutting remarks) the unique
take on the well defined characters of the Dickens
classic is an absolute joy. The perhaps only miscasting
is that of Michael Caine as Scrooge. He had obviously
decided not lower himself to act at all with the
puppets and his entire performance looks like a
read through. Ok the songs and dance numbers are
a bit tiresome you can always best to look what's
going on in the background of the shots - usually
there's at least a few rats messing around. Don't
be put off by the fact this is a kids film - its
also immensely enjoyable and very well made.
For
all fans of classic English modern
literature who long to see adaptations by
Americans with socks on their hands then A Muppet
Christmas Carol is the one for them. I'm
joking of course it is a great film. It's good
to see Miss Piggy acting Michael Caine off the
screen - and I'm not joking about that.
A
Muppet Christmas Carol
is at December 20th on
our Christmas
movies guide (USA edition).
Buy
this film and more from our Christmas
DVD store in association with Amazon.com
